覚書(おぼえがき)

おぼえがき
noun
memorandum; note; memo; MOU
businesscommunication
1. memorandum; note; informal record
a written note to help remember something or record information
覚書(おぼえがき)を作(つく)っておく。
I'll make a note to remember.
会議(かいぎ)の内容(ないよう)を覚書(おぼえがき)にまとめた。
I summarized the meeting contents in a memo.
打(う)ち合(あ)わせの前(まえ)に覚書(おぼえがき)を読(よ)み返(かえ)した。
I reread my notes before the meeting.
2. memorandum of understanding (MOU)
a formal but non-binding agreement between parties outlining terms and conditions
両社(りょうしゃ)は業務(ぎょうむ)提携(ていけい)に関(かん)する覚書(おぼえがき)を締結(ていけつ)した。
Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding regarding their business partnership.
政府(せいふ)は相手(あいて)国(こく)と経済(けいざい)協力(きょうりょく)の覚書(おぼえがき)を交(か)わした。
The government exchanged a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation with the other country.
覚書(おぼえがき)は正式(せいしき)な契約(けいやく)とは異(こと)なり、法的(ほうてき)拘束力(こうそくりょく)がない場合(ばあい)が多(おお)い。
Unlike a formal contract, a memorandum of understanding often has no legal binding force.

覚書(おぼえがき) has two main uses: personal notes/memos and formal memoranda of understanding.

Writing

Sense 1 - personal notes

  • Used for informal notes to oneself
  • Similar to メモ but slightly more formal

Sense 2 - BUSINESS/LEGAL mou

  • Less binding than a formal contract
  • Used to record preliminary agreements
  • Common in international business and diplomacy

Common collocations

Related words

Related Words

Related: メモ (memo)
Related: 契約書(けいやくしょ) (contract)
Related: 合意書(ごういしょ) (agreement document)
Related: 誓約書(せいやくしょ) (written pledge)
general
Added 2026.1.23 19:45 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07500/07963_oboegaki